LIVE UPDATES: Voting underway across Ghana in crucial Parliamentary and Presidential Elections

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LIVE UPDATES: 2024 general elections - Voting underway across Ghana in crucial Parliamentary and Presidential Elections

Kweku Zurek Politics Dec - 07 - 2024 , 16:11 31 minutes read

Welcome to Graphic Online's live updates of the 2024 general election, taking place today in Ghana where Ghanaians have begun voting in the much-anticipated 2024 presidential and parliamentary elections with polling stations nationwide opening their doors to citizens eager to exercise their democratic rights.

Significance of the Election

The 2024 election sees 18,774,159 registered voters deciding the fate of 12 presidential candidates and numerous parliamentary aspirants across 276 constituencies.

Leading the presidential race are the New Patriotic Party’s Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and the National Democratic Congress’ John Dramani Mahama, both seen as frontrunners in a highly contested poll.

Watch Graphic Online's coverage of the election below;

Call for peaceful voting

As voting continues, election officials and observers have urged voters to maintain decorum and adhere to the rules governing the exercise. Security personnel have been deployed to ensure a peaceful process, with polling stations expected to close by 5 pm.

Stay tuned for more updates (below) as Ghanaians cast their votes to shape the nation's leadership for the next four years;

5am: Odododiodio queues at dawn

Graphic Online's Gertrude Ankah reports from the Odododiodio Constituency in Accra that many polling stations were filled with queues at dawn waiting for the 7 am start time for voting.

In some areas, residents were seen using stones and other makeshift markers to secure their positions in what appeared to be a growing race to cast their votes first.

At least one polling station in the densely populated constituency saw the first voters arrive as early as 12:00 am, with a long queue forming along the streets.

Election 2024: Trading activities ongoing at Accra Central

The early turnout was fuelled by the heightened anticipation surrounding the general election, as well as local concerns about long wait times and possible delays at polling booths.

In a dramatic scene outside the ARS polling centre, voters placed stones, sticks and other objects to mark their spot in line.

Some residents explained that they had resorted to this practice after witnessing long queues in previous elections, with fears of missing their chance to vote due to congestion at the polling stations.

"We are just trying to make sure we don’t lose our place in the queue," said Kofi Appiah, a shopkeeper who had been waiting in line for over an hour before the polls officially opened.

"Last time I stood in line for hours and didn't get to vote. We don't want that to happen again."

Preparations underway at Royal School Polling Station in Tema Central

Samuel Tei Adano reports that electoral officials at the Royal School polling station in the Tema Central Constituency were seen preparing for the elections. The officials were busy arranging materials to ensure a smooth voting process.

6.25am: Queues swell in Sekondi

In Sekondi, George Folley reports long queues forming as early as 4:30 am, with voters rushing to polling stations to cast their ballots.

Some voters expressed their eagerness to support their preferred candidates, while others called for tolerance and patience among the electorate.

6.43am: Smooth start in Gomoa East

At the Olamoshi Islamic Academy polling stations A and B in Winger, Gomoa East, Samuel Duodu reports that voting materials arrived on time, enabling officials to commence the process promptly at 7 am.

Daniel Asiedu and Nicholas Ankrah, the presiding officers for the respective polling stations, confirmed that all materials required for the exercise were in place.

Agents of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) are present to monitor the process, ensuring transparency at the stations.

7:10am: Voters show up early to cast ballots in Adenta

Reports indicate an impressive early turnout in the Adenta Constituency, where voters arrived at polling stations as early as 4:30 am to cast their ballots in the ongoing parliamentary and presidential elections.

Rosalind Koramah Amoh reports that polling stations at the Adenta Community Park, the AdMA Office, the Fountain Gate Chapel, and the Adenta Police Station recorded significant numbers of early arrivals, with some voters showing up even earlier than 4:30 am.

Due to the high turnout and the presence of multiple voting centres at these locations, electoral officials implemented a numbering system to ensure an orderly voting process, adhering to a "first come, first to vote" arrangement.

The enthusiasm in Adenta reflects the eagerness of Ghanaians to participate in this crucial election, as voting continues smoothly nationwide. Mr Daniel Anoma was the first to cast his vote at the Adenta Community Park Polling Station Centre 3.

7.34 am: Voting yet to start at New Apostolic Polling Station, Kasoa

Emmanuel Bonney reports that voting is yet to start at the New Apostolic Polling Station at Kasoa in the Central Region as electoral officials and party officials sort out electoral materials.

Meanwhile, voters have formed a queue waiting for the commencement of voting.

7.37am: Arrests at Tse Addo, La

A misunderstanding erupted at the Container polling station in Tse Addo, within the La Dade-Kotopon Constituency, following accusations that some party agents were bussing voters from a different constituency into the area.

Justice Agbenorsi reports that the situation escalated into a near brawl, lasting close to 40 minutes. It took the intervention of police and military personnel to restore calm.

The individuals alleged to have been bussed into the constituency were removed from the polling station. Additionally, two persons suspected of organising the bussing of these voters to the Container polling station have been arrested by the police.

The two who were arrested

Despite the commotion, the voting process was not disrupted and continued smoothly.

7.40 am: Voting underway in Assin North Constituency

From Assin Bereku in the Assin North Constituency, Joana Kumi reports that voting has commenced smoothly.

At the Methodist DA JSS Bereku polling centre, voting began as scheduled.

The Presiding Officer, Mr Peterking Afari Gyamfi, confirmed that as of 7:18 am, 13 out of 492 registered voters had already cast their ballots.

The atmosphere at the polling centre remains calm and orderly.

7.42am: Voting underway at Moree GPRTU B Polling Station

Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that voting commenced at 7:15 am at the Moree GPRTU B polling station.

Presiding Officer Alex Degraft said the process has been smooth so far.

A total of 405 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots at the station.

As of 7:43 am, 12 persons had successfully voted.

7.50am: Delayed start at Olamoshi Islamic Academy Polling stations frustrates voters

Samuel Duodu reports from the Olamoshi Islamic Academy polling stations A & B in Winger, Gomoa East Constituency, Central Region, where 653 and 652 voters respectively are expected to cast their ballots.

Voting, scheduled to begin at 7:00 am, started at 7:30 am, leading to frustration among voters who had queued as early as 5:00 am.

Some of these early arrivals expressed concerns that the delay could disrupt the process.

The Presiding Officer for polling station A, Daniel Asiedu, explained to *Graphic Online* that although voting materials arrived on time, delays in setting up pushed the start time to 7:30 am.

Hajia Zianabu, the first to vote at polling station A, shared her excitement after casting her ballot. She said she had arrived at the station at 5:00 am to ensure she could exercise her franchise early.

7.55 am: Emmanuel Bonney reports that voting just started at the New Apostolic Church Polling Station at Kasoa in the Central Region.

8.10 am: First-time voters enthusiastic about casting ballots in Koforidua

Haruna Yussif Wunpini reports from Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, that more than 10 first-time voters were spotted in queues at three polling stations in the New Juaben South Constituency: Chief Butcher, Maikano, and Zango Clinic.

Awal Mohammed, a first-time voter, shared his excitement with Graphic Online after casting his ballot at the Maikano polling station. He said he came out early to vote for change, citing the current economic challenges facing the country.

"I know my vote will make the difference at the end of the polls and my candidate will automatically win the race," he stated.

Awal expressed confidence that his vote would positively impact his future and that of his family. "This is my first time voting, and I believe it will effect change for the betterment of my life and my family," he added.

Similarly, Cynthia Lomotey, a first-time voter at the Chief Butcher polling station, expressed her joy after voting. Speaking to Graphic Online, she expressed faith that God would ensure the victory of the candidate she supported.

"I'm very happy to be part of this year’s polls. Last year, I could not vote because I was not yet 18," she explained.

Cynthia also hoped for a smooth and peaceful voting process. "I pray that the voting process will continue without any difficulty or misunderstanding among political party agents," she said.

8:15 am: NPP flag bearer Dr Bawumia casts vote in Walewale

Mohammed Fugu reports that the New Patriotic Party (NPP) presidential candidate, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has cast his vote at the Kperiga Presby Polling Station in Walewale.

He was accompanied by some government appointees, party executives, and sympathisers.

Bawumia casts ballot in Walewale [VIDEO]

8.16 am: Voting progresses smoothly in Cape Coast North Constituency

Francisca Eshun reports that voting in the Cape Coast North constituency has commenced smoothly.

According to the Presiding Officer at Montessori School Centre B, Patricia Amonoo, election materials arrived at 5:40 am, and voting began promptly at 7 am.

She indicated that, so far, four people had cast their votes out of the expected 390 voters for the day.

She also mentioned that all voters lined up in an orderly queue without any disagreements.

A voter, Ms Trudy Sampson, stated that she did not encounter any challenges with her name on the reference sheet, as the spelling was correct and the verification machine successfully recognised her fingerprints.

She expressed her hope that this year’s election would be peaceful and successful.

8.20 am: Voting delayed at Kokrobite M/A Primary Centre due to ink shortage, other centres proceed as scheduled

From Augustina Tawiah in the Bortianor Ngleshie Amanfro Constituency, voting has yet to start at the Kokrobite M/A Primary 3A Polling Centre as of 8:14 am due to the absence of ink.

The Electoral Commission official at the centre, Theophilus Allotey, said they arrived at the centre at 5:00 am and completed the setup by 5:30 am, only to realise that they did not have ink.

He added that they informed the EC, and they were assured the ink would be brought, but it had yet to arrive.

However, voting has commenced at the other centres on the same premises.

Voting at the Oshiyie M/A Primary Centre A, Oshiyie M/A Primary Centre B, Oshiyie 2 'B' Polling Centre, and Oshiyie Filling Station 2 'A' started on time with no incidents.

8.42 am: Voting begins smoothly in Assin Bereku

From Assin Bereku, Assin North Constituency, Joana Kumi reports that most polling stations had set up by 6:15 AM when GraphicOnline arrived.

Many voters, some of whom arrived as early as 3 am, said they wanted to finish voting in time to return to their farms. Others said they had come early to the polling station to prevent some people from performing rituals at the polling grounds.

8.43 am: Smooth start to voting in Bolgatanga Central Constituency

Gilbert Mawuli Agbey reports from Bolgatanga that voting commenced smoothly across all the polling stations within the Bolgatanga Central Constituency.

A number of polling stations visited by Graphic Online revealed that electoral materials arrived on time, which paved the way for the start of the polls at 7 AM.

Isaac Adongo, MP Bolgatanga Central

During a visit to some polling stations, including the Methodist Basic School in Tanzui, two others at the Bolgatanga Jubilee Park, and others in Bukere, eligible voters were seen in queues, waiting for their turn to cast their ballots.

Some voters, after casting their votes at the two polling stations at the Jubilee Park, lauded stakeholders for ensuring an incident-free process so far.

Several of the voters explained to GraphicOnline that they had been vigilant for about a week leading up to the election, keeping watch over the polling grounds. They recounted how, in previous elections, people had engaged in spiritual activities at the sites, which they believed had impacted election outcomes.

8.49 am: Voting begins smoothly across Northern region as voter turnout rises

From Tamale, Abukari Alhassan Baba reports that voting has started in various constituencies in the Northern Region, where a total of 1,209,940 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Some electorates casting their votes at Abaobo Assembly of God Church Polling Station in Tamale

By 7 am, long queues had already formed at various polling stations across all 18 constituencies as voters lined up to cast their votes.

Some voters who spoke with Graphic Online expressed the hope that the elections would proceed smoothly and peacefully.

8.56am: Smooth voting underway in Moree, Central Region, after minor delay

From Moree in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese Constituency of the Central Region, Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that voting commenced smoothly.

At the Moree Junction GPRTU B polling station, about 10 people were in the queue when the Daily Graphic arrived at around 7:30 am. Twelve people had already cast their votes.

The Presiding Officer at the station, Alex Degraft, explained that a problem with one of the voting screens had delayed the start by about 15 minutes.

He mentioned that there had been no incidents and that voters had been cooperative.

8.59am: Voting commences smoothly in Bono Region as long queues form

From Sunyani, Biiya Mukusah Ali reports that voting at some polling centres in the Bono Region commenced promptly at 7:00 am, with long queues already in place.

Before the Electoral Commission (EC) opened the polls, long queues had already formed at several voting centres.

A total of 719,916 registered voters in the region are expected to vote across 1,560 polling stations in the 12 constituencies.

When Graphic Online visited some polling centres in the Sunyani East Constituency, voting was proceeding smoothly and peacefully.

Graphic Online visited the Ridge Experimental Polling Stations "A" and "B", the Sunyani Regional Administration Polling Stations "A" and "B" (where 376 registered voters are expected to vote at Centre "A" and 375 at Centre "B"), and the Chiraa GPRTU Station voting centres A1, A2, and A3.

Voting at various centres, particularly in hotspot areas was peaceful, with no incidents of violence reported.

At some of the centres visited, elderly people, lactating mothers, and persons with disabilities were allowed to vote without having to join the long queues.

The enthusiasm among voters, especially first-time voters, was notably high, as many of those who arrived early were first-time voters.

A first-time voter, Benjamin Kyere, told Graphic Online at the Ridge Experimental Polling Centre "A" that he was happy to take part in the selection of the country's leadership.

Polling agents from various candidates were present at the polling centres to monitor the exercise.

8.59am: Voter denied new parliamentary ballot paper at Bortianor Methodist Primary Centre

At Bortianor Methodist Primary Centre 2A, Augustina Tawiah reports that a voter who had not thumbprinted on the parliamentary ballot paper but mistakenly dropped the unmarked sheet into the box turned around and requested another ballot paper. However, he was denied, with the explanation that issuing him a new one would lead to over-voting.

FULL STORY: Voter denied new parliamentary ballot paper at Bortianor Methodist Primary Centre

From Tamale Abukari Alhassan Baba reports that voting has started in the various constituencies in the Northern Region where a total number of 1, 209, 940 electorates are expected to cast their votes in the region.

As of 7 am, long queues had already built up at various polling stations in all the 18 constituencies.
Some electorate who spoke with Graphic online expressed the hope that the elections would be smooth and peaceful.

From Moree in the Abura-Asebu Kwamankese constituency of the Central region, Shirley Asiedu-Addo reports that voting took off smoothly.

At the Moree Junction GPRTU B polling station, about 10 people were in the queue voting when Graphic Online arrived there at around 7:30 am.

Twelve persons had already cast their votes.

The Presiding Officer at the station, Alex Degraft said a problem with one of the voting screens had delayed the start for about 15 minutes.

He said there had not been any incident and voters had been cooperative.

From Sunyani, Biiya Mukusah Ali reports that voting in some polling centres in the Bono Region commenced exactly 7:00.a.m with long queues.

Before the Electoral Commission (EC) opened the polls, there were already long queues in some voting centres.

A total of 719,916 registered voters in the region are expected to vote in 1,560 polling stations across the 12 constituencies.

When Graphic Online visited some polling centres in the Sunyani East Constituency, voting was ongoing smoothly and peacefully.

Graphic Online visited the Ridge Experimental Polling stations "A" and "B", the Sunyani Regional Administration Polling stations "A" and "B", where 376 registered voters are expected to vote at the centre "A" and 375 at the centre "B" and the Chiraa GPRTU Station voting centres A1, A2 and A3.

When the Graphic Online monitored some voting centres, particularly hotspot areas in the region, voting was peaceful, as no incident of violence had been recorded.

At some of the centres visited, the aged, lactating mothers and persons with disabilities were allowed to vote without joining the long queues.

The enthusiasm among the voters, especially first-time voters was very high, because most of the voters who reported early were first-time voters.

A first-time voter, Benjamin Kyere, told Graphic Online at the Ridge Experimental Polling Centre "A" that he was happy to take part in the selection of the country's leadership.

There were polling agents of the various candidates at the polling centres monitoring the exercise.

At the compound of the Holy Family Catholic School in the Ablekuma Central Constituency, voting is in order with about three uniformed attired personalities, reports Becky Amoako Essien.

The queue has been grouped into 4 (in alphabetical order A to D, E to H and the rest. This initiative has made the queues short.

There was an incident where a male voter came with an old voter ID card and when his name was checked it was not found in the voters' register.

He was not allowed to vote.

He had even wanted to use his Ghana card but he was informed that so long as his name was not captured in the register it would be impossible for him to exercise his franchise.

From Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, Haruna Yussif Wunpini reports that more than 10 first-time voters were spotted in the queue to cast their ballots in three polling stations in the New Juaben South Constituency in the Eastern Region.

The polling stations are Chief Butcher, Maikano and Zango clinic respectively.

Awal Mohammed, who is a first-time voter told the Graphic Online that he came out early morning and voted for change at the Maikano polling station because of the current economic situation confronting the country.

He indicated that his vote would automatically make the change at the end of the polls and that his future would be bright.

"I know my vote will make the difference at the end of the polls and my candidate will automatically win the race."

"I have never voted before and this year’s will be my first time to vote and effect change for the betterment of my life and at the same my family", he stated.

Cynthia Lomotey, also a first-time voter at the Chief Butcher Polling Station who expressed her happiness to the Daily Graphic after casting her ballot, stated that God would make the candidate she voted for to win the elections.

"I'm very happy to be part of this year’s polls. Last year I could not vote because I was not up to the voting age of 18 years.

"I pray that the voting process will continue to be smooth without any difficulty and misunderstanding among political party agents", Mrs Lomotey indicated.

Francisca Eshun reports that voting in the Cape Coast North constituency has commenced smoothly.

According to the Presiding officer at Montessori School Center B, Patricia Amonoo, items for the election arrived at 5:40 am and elections began at exactly 7 am.

She indicated that so far four people had cast their votes out of the expected 390 voters.

She mentioned that all the voters lined up in a queue without any disagreements.

A voter, Ms Trudy Sampson said she did not have any challenges with her name on the reference sheet with her spellings being printed correctly and that the verification machine picked her fingerprint without problems.

She said she was expecting that this year’s election would be peaceful and successful.

8.59 am: Voting begins late at TMA New Lashibi Polling Station due to late arrival of materials

Dela Russel Ocloo reports that an elderly person was assisted by her daughter to cast her vote at the TMA New Lashibi Primary A Polling Station in the Tema West Constituency, where 429 registered voters are expected to cast their ballots.

Voting commenced at about 8:25 am due to the late arrival of voting materials from the Municipal EC office located at Tema Community Two. The process has so far been peaceful, except for minor cases where the biometric verification system rejected some voters, who were instructed to wash their hands and return to the polling station to retry the process.

9.25 am: Hawa Koomson votes in Awutu Senya West as she seeks re-election

The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Mavis Hawa Koomson, cast her ballot a short while ago at the Catholic JHS Kasoa 1 Polling Station. A total of 173,989 voters are expected to cast their votes at 314 polling stations across the constituency.

This is the fourth consecutive time that Hawa Koomson, the current Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, is contesting for the Awutu Senya West parliamentary seat.

Hawa Koomson first contested the seat in 2012 when it was carved out of the Awutu-Effutu Senya Constituency, defeating Nuhu Adams, the then Municipal Chief Executive for the Awutu Senya East Assembly, on the ticket of the NDC. She defeated him again in the 2016 elections by a margin of over 11,000 votes. In 2020, the margin reduced to 5,000 when the NDC fielded a new candidate, Phillis Naa Koryoo Okunnor.

The 2024 contest is therefore a repeat of the 2020 election.

9.26 am: Voting begins in Ashaiman as voters and traders navigate their day

In the Ashaiman constituency in the Greater Accra Region, where 174,633 registered voters are expected to cast their votes, voting commenced on time at the various centres visited, Benjamin Xornam Glover reports.

On average, nearly 50 people were already in the queue at 10 polling stations visited between 7 am and 7:45 am.

In total, voting will take place in 355 polling centres in the constituency.

While the exercise progressed steadily at the polling stations, the Ashaiman main market was also bustling with brisk trading activities.

Madam Lucy Ahlijah told this reporter that she decided to come to the market early to sell her wares and make a little money before going to cast her ballot in the afternoon.

Other traders expressed their frustration, saying they were fed up and had decided not to vote this year. Instead, they chose to remain at the market rather than stand in line to vote.

9.28 am: Voting delayed in Wa due to biometric verification issues, but process resumes

From Wa, Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor reports that voting was delayed at Wa Circuit 1A and 1B for about 40 minutes due to challenges with the Biometric Verification Machine (BVM), which failed to read the voters' biometrics.

The Returning Officer, Emmanuel Yuoni, said they had to call a technician from the Regional Office, who arrived to repair the machine.

That notwithstanding, he said things were picking up smoothly, and by 9:10 AM, 44 out of the 443 voters had cast their ballots. He was hopeful that all the voters on the register would turn up to cast their ballots.

A similar issue occurred at the Wa Circuit 1B polling station, where voting started at 7:40 AM due to the same challenge with the BVM. By 9:15 AM, 50 out of the 443 voters had voted.

At the TI Ahmadiyya SSNIT polling station, voting started at 7:00 AM without any challenges. By 8:30 AM, 52 people had cast their ballots.

The Upper West Regional Director of the National Commission for Civic Education, Victor Nuworkpor, told the Daily Graphic that so far the process had been very smooth, without any challenges, and he was hopeful it would remain so throughout the day.

9:55 am: Awutu Senya East MCE hopeful of peaceful polls in Kasoa

The Awutu Senya East Municipal Chief Executive, Anita Love Obo Amissah, expressed optimism for a peaceful election in Kasoa and its surrounding areas, following the implementation of the necessary security measures for the polls.

In an interview with Graphic Online after casting her vote in the 2024 elections, Ms Amissah urged all voters to act responsibly and maintain decorum during the election process.

10 am: Voting begins in Trobu Constituency

Esther Somuah reports that voting in the Trobu Constituency commenced at 7:48 am at the Yaweh International School, despite a slight delay. Electoral materials arrived on time, but polling agents carried out checks to ensure that all materials were intact before voting could start.

The school has three polling stations on its premises: Asofan Station A, B, and C. With three uniformed officers present, the process appeared orderly, though some voters were initially agitated by the delayed start. Nonetheless, they remained composed throughout the process.

10:16 am: Seven polling stations created to shorten queues in Dome-Kwabenya

Doreen Hammond reports that as part of efforts to reduce long queues, seven additional stations have been established at the African Faith Tabernacle polling station in the Dome-Kwabenya Constituency, Accra.

The strategy proved effective, with smooth operations at 7:05 am when voting began, and by 10 am when this report was filed. Rebecca Ashie, a polling station officer, explained that voters could easily identify their assigned station based on their code numbers.

However, some delays were noted when voters presented their Ghana cards instead of their Voter’s Identity Cards, requiring additional verification. Despite these minor delays, the process remained relatively fast, with Percy Nana Kweku Oduro-Dame, another polling officer, commenting that voters had been patient and adhered to the queues. Some officials also requested canopies to shield voters from the scorching sun.

10.20 am: Polling opens across Western Region with high voter turnout expected

Polls opened smoothly in the Western Region at all 2,738 polling stations across the region. From Takoradi, Dotsey Koblah Aklorbortu reports that approximately 1,288,777 eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots. The Daily Graphic’s monitoring at some polling stations in Takoradi indicated that long queues had formed, with some voters joining as early as 4 am to exercise their franchise.

Despite the Electoral Commission increasing the number of polling stations, the electorate woke up very early to form queues, as many voters in the queues told Daily Graphic.

The region has a total of 2,738 polling stations across all constituencies, and so far, there have been no known issues as those in the line patiently await their turn.

Some constituencies with large numbers of polling stations include Jomoro, which has 225 polling stations with 85,969 voters, and Ellembelle, which has 161 polling stations and a voter population of 79,227.

Tarkwa Nsuaem, one of the most competitive constituencies in the region, has 263 polling stations with 140,050 voters, while the constituency with the largest population, Prestea Huni-Valley, accounts for 144,526 eligible voters across 279 polling stations.

In the Evalue Ajomoro Gwira Constituency, with 121 polling stations, the voter population stands at 55,131, while Ahanta West has 181 polling stations with 86,062 voters.

The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis and the Effia-Kwesimintsim Municipality, which host the safest seats of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), are experiencing an uneasy calm, as the National Democratic Congress (NDC) is mounting a strong challenge, threatening the security of those seats.

Takoradi Constituency has 121 polling stations with a voter population of 55,640, while Sekondi Constituency has 91 polling stations and 41,634 voters. Next to Sekondi is the Essikado-Ketan Constituency, with a voter population of 79,344 across 162 polling stations.

The Effia Constituency has a voter population of 51,013, with voting taking place at 102 polling stations, while its neighbouring Kwesimintsim Constituency has 110 polling stations and a voter population of 58,002.

The neighbouring Shama Constituency has 67,799 eligible voters across 141 polling stations. Wassa East Constituency has 136 polling stations with 56,252 voters, while Mpohor has 78 polling stations, the smallest voter population in the region, with 33,209 voters.

The Amenfi areas are made up of three constituencies: Amenfi East has 231 polling stations with 101,111 voters, Amenfi Central has 168 polling stations and 70,915 voters, and Amenfi West has 168 polling stations with 82,823 voters.

10.29 am: Calm atmosphere at Gomoa East polling stations

Charles Antwi reports from the Believers Church Polling Station in the Gomoa East Constituency that 436 voters are expected to cast their votes. Voting started at 7am, with the atmosphere remaining very calm.

Out of the 436 registered voters at the polling station, 142 had cast their ballot.

At the St Joseph Montessori Polling Station A, 75 voters out of 605 had cast their ballot.

12pm: Man arrested for weapon possession following polling station dispute

A man identified as Michael Allotey was arrested by the Ghana Police Service for possessing a weapon at the St Theresa School polling station in the Okaikwei South Constituency during Ghana’s general election. The arrest followed a heated argument between Allotey, reportedly an agent of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), and an Electoral Commission (EC) official over the handling of pink sheets for sections A and B before voting commenced.

Witnesses reported that the confrontation escalated when the EC official refused Allotey’s demands, stating he lacked the authority to dictate election procedures. Though the disagreement was resolved, the Police, alerted to the disturbance, arrived and detained Allotey after discovering the weapon in his possession. Calm has since been restored at the polling station.

12.29: Police dismiss claims of voting at NPP Office in Okaikwei Central

The Ghana Police Service has refuted reports alleging that National Democratic Congress (NDC) supporters stormed the New Patriotic Party (NPP) office at Abeka in the Okaikwei Central Constituency over suspicions of unauthorised voting at the location.

In a statement, the Police clarified that investigations confirmed the site was not a polling station and no voting activity was taking place there. The statement urged the public to disregard the false reports and to cooperate with authorities in curbing misinformation and disinformation during the ongoing general election.

---John Mahama Casts Ballot in Bole

The Presidential Candidate for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has cast his vote in the ongoing general election.

Mr Mahama voted at the Bole D/A Polling Station in the Savannah Region around midday.

As a seasoned politician and former president who served from 2012 to 2017, Mr Mahama has campaigned on the slogan "Building The Ghana We Want." His campaign emphasises leveraging his experience to address the country's economic challenges through innovative policies such as the proposed 24-hour economy.

Speaking briefly after casting his ballot, Mr Mahama reiterated his commitment to fostering development and urged voters to participate in the process peacefully.

12.20pm: Seventh-Day Adventists Observe Sabbath Amid Election Day in Ghana

Members of the Seventh-Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Ghana have adhered to their Sabbath traditions by attending church services in significant numbers, despite the 2024 General Election coinciding with their sacred day of worship, GraphicOnline's Rosalind Koramah Amoh reports. The SDA leadership had earlier expressed concerns over the scheduling conflict, highlighting the challenge it posed for members balancing their religious obligations with their civic duty to vote.

At the All Nations Congregation in Adenta Housing Down, church services were held as usual, with the first service running from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., followed by a second service slated for the afternoon. While the church leadership respected voting as a personal choice, many members prioritised worship, with congregants arriving early to participate in the day's services.

1.16pm: Junior Doctors call for peace and vigilance during elections

The Junior Doctors Association (JDA) has urged Ghanaians to exercise caution and maintain decorum during the ongoing general election to safeguard the country’s peace. In a statement signed by its President, Dr Louisa A. Nkrumah, the association cautioned the youth against being used by politicians to engage in electoral violence or misconduct. It also emphasised the need to refrain from hate speech, smear campaigns and sensationalism during this critical period.

The JDA further called on voters to prioritise their personal safety and property while participating in the election. The statement appealed to electoral officials, party representatives, and observer missions to conduct the polls with fairness and transparency to ensure the results are universally accepted. Reassuring the public, the JDA noted that doctors were on duty and ready to respond to any emergencies that might arise during the election process.

1.36 pm: NDC refutes claims of missing polling agents in Kwadaso Beposo

The National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Ashanti Region has dismissed reports that its polling agents were absent from five polling stations in Kwadaso Beposo.

In a statement issued by the Regional Secretary, Dr Frank Amoakohene, the party clarified that all polling agents, supervisors and monitoring teams were fully deployed and actively performing their duties at all polling stations across the region.

Describing the reports as false and intended to cause panic and demoralise its supporters, the NDC urged its members and the public to disregard the claims. “We encourage our supporters to remain focused on the ballot, ensuring that every vote for the NDC and John Dramani Mahama is secure,” the statement concluded.

1.46 pm: Education Minister votes, calls for peaceful election

The Minister for Education and Member of Parliament for Bosomtwe, Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum, cast his vote at the Jachie D/A Junior High School polling station at 9:55 am on election day. The centre, part of a cluster of polling stations in the area, saw steady activity with 40 votes cast and about 25 voters in line at the time of his arrival.

Speaking to the media after voting, Dr Adutwum commended the Electoral Commission, security services, and other stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a smooth electoral process. He also urged all Ghanaians to prioritise peace and conduct themselves responsibly throughout the election.

1.45pm: Rain disrupts voting in Dome-Kwabenya and Madina Constituencies

Heavy rainfall has disrupted voting activities in parts of the Dome-Kwabenya and Madina constituencies in the Greater Accra Region, Graphic Online's Maclean Kwofi reports.

The downpour, which began around 12:30 pm, forced Electoral Commission officials to pause the exercise for over an hour, as it continued to rain. Polling stations in areas such as Teiman, Oyarifa, Ayi Mensah, Kweiman, Abokobi, and Sesemi were significantly affected by the weather.

Prior to the rain, the atmosphere at polling stations, many of which are situated in schools, churches, and police stations, was largely quiet and serene. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, voting has remained relatively calm, with only minor disagreements reported between agents of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) nearly six hours into the process.